Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2009

France’s latest Monsieur Swing informs his zany take on gyspy jazz and chanson with the experience of years in other artistic disciplines. The son of a plumber, Sanseverino had a career in comedy theater and film before turning to music. He brings a dramatic flair to this madcap concoction of Django Reinhardt-inspired gypsy guitar, lugubrious, accordion-infused French chanson, rapid-fire storytelling, and even a bit of Jimi Hendrix-style rock ‘n’ roll. The tracks on Swing Live! were selected by Japanese guitar virtuoso Saigenji, who backed Sanseverino on his 2005 Japan tour, and provide a good indication of what to expect when the Frenchman returns to stalk the stages of Tokyo’s concert halls later this month. He will be accompanied by the Angelo Debarre & Ludovic Beier Quartet at Suginami Kokaido on Sep 23 and Oji Hall on Sep 24.

Sanseverino
French singer-songwriter with a swing jazz influence. Sep 23, 5pm, ¥6,000. Suginami Kokaido, Ogikubo. Sep 24, 7pm. Oji Hall, ¥6,000. Tel: Plankton 03-3498-2881.